Chikkamagaluru: Forest fire at tourist spot Kemmannugundi

Chikkamagaluru: The intensifying summer heat is paralleled by a surge in forest fire incidents in the district. Following a recent blaze near Mullayyana Giri, another forest fire has erupted, this time in the mountainous terrain of Kemmannugundi tourist spot in Tarikere taluk.

The fire has engulfed the vicinity near Kemmannugundi Z Point, posing a huge challenge for forest department personnel battling to contain it. Efforts to douse the flames are hampered by the soaring temperatures.

Situated within the Bhadra Tiger Reserve, the Kemmannugundi Z Point area is home to Shola grasslands and diverse wildlife. These ecosystems endemic to the Western Ghats are now imperiled by the inferno.

With vast forested areas in the district, the rising temperatures this year have led to a surge in forest fire incidents, presenting a challenge for forest department personnel.